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I'm about to replace the timing belt on my NA6 short nose. The front crank seal is not leaking so I won't be removing the pulley as I am told that if it isn't torqued up correctly they get the wobbles and the result stuffed crank /engine.
I'm going to change water pump & gaskets, cam cover gasket, cam seals and belt tension idlers while I'm at it. Are there any seals/gaskets that should be replaced under the timing belt covers? Any tips I should know before starting?

G'day.

All your questions answered and more

http://www.miata.net/garage/garagemaintenance.html

Just re-read your original post...don't think you change the belt without removing the crank pulley. Therefore I would add a short crank key and a new crank bolt to your list. A new crank bolt is recommended as these can strech, thus causing the infamous issue. Your dealer will want your VIN number to ensure he is gving you the right parts.
Also because you will probably be moving the Crank Angel Sensor to check the timing I would replace the CAS seal.Otherwise there is a good chance the seal will start leaking and cause issues.
If you are concerned about the removing the crank bolt I would ensure you have a good torque wrench and following the above instructions to the letter

ps update your signature to tell us where you are...someone local to you may be willing to provide more advice.


J

Thanks for the tips. Had a quick look at the link and will study in detail before starting. I've spoken to other NA6 owners who tell me I can leave the crank toothed pulley on, just remove alternator/ a/c belt pulley (4 x bolts). If this is not so I'll probably get the whole job done by the experts. Richard from MX5 Plus in Brisbane has warned of the dire consequences if the toothed pulley is not torqued correctly. I've had some excellent work done at his workshop, but I like to do stuff myself if it's within my abilities.

Allan

Hi Alan,

Did you end up doing the timing belt change yourself? If so, how did it go? Any tips you can give others attempting this?
Cheers

emilmh wrote:Hi Alan,

Did you end up doing the timing belt change yourself? If so, how did it go? Any tips you can give others attempting this?
Cheers

Tips - it's an easy job - plan your attack - have all the bits and we'll do it ina day at the next Dodgy day before Christmas. As Senior Dodgies and Brotherhood Chapter Leaders, Jules, AJ, Boags and I reserve the right to not touch a spanner all day, but instead provide directions from over the top of an ice cold cracked stubbie.

You'll get the job done - between us we have actually rebuilt an entire MX5.

Uncle Arthur wrote:

emilmh wrote:Hi Alan,

Did you end up doing the timing belt change yourself? If so, how did it go? Any tips you can give others attempting this?
Cheers

Tips - it's an easy job - plan your attack - have all the bits and we'll do it ina day at the next Dodgy day before Christmas. As Senior Dodgies and Brotherhood Chapter Leaders, Jules, AJ, Boags and I reserve the right to not touch a spanner all day, but instead provide directions from over the top of an ice cold cracked stubbie.

You'll get the job done - between us we have actually rebuilt an entire MX5.

Uncle arthur, Rebuilt an entire MX5! now that's impressive!!

I'm slowly trying to gather a list of all the parts I need. At the moment I'm just trying to get all the info on parts, to try and get the right crank pulley bolt and woodruff key. (Im also currently tied up with installing some shock absorber rubber boots and finidng that my shocks are pretty worn, while also finding that i need to rebuild a rear caliper)

PS if you think it would be possible during a dodgy day, i'm sure we could work out some sort of payment...

Between the Brethren of dodgy we have indeed almost rebuilt an entire MX5 - however not all at once - the individual tasks have been done at separate events - infact - our only active overall wearing sister of the brethren is actually fully restoring one.

However there is no payment for dodginess - you must attend, you must participate, you must partake of the sustenance of dodginess, and you must in turn share your knowledge, and hang $hit on, others after you.

You must not spill brake fluid on anyone's paintwork, and you must not use the airconditioning system as a brace for cracking or tightening the pulley bolt.

It is the dodgy way.